DC’s Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is in Session

As spring arrives, the nation’s capital transforms into a wonderland of pink and white as the cherry blossoms come into full bloom. Every year, thousands of visitors from all around the world flock to Washington, D.C. to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms in person. The sight of these delicate flowers is a symbol of hope and renewal, signifying the start of a new season and the promise of warmer weather. Read more to explore the history and significance of the cherry blossoms in D.C., as well as some of the best places to view them and tips for making the most of your visit. Join us as we take a journey through the stunning and enchanting world of the cherry blossoms in D.C.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is an annual event that commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States in 1912. The festival usually takes place for several weeks during the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms, which typically occurs in late March or early April. During the festival, the city of Washington D.C. and neighboring areas comes alive with a wide range of events and activities that celebrate the cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved tradition in the United States and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature, the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, and the vibrant culture of the nation’s capital. You may be interested in watching the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony livestream co-presented with The Japan Foundation as well.

Events DC will be presenting the Nation’s Springtime Parade, which is set to take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023, on Constitution Avenue. The parade promises to be a grand spectacle, featuring elaborate floats, colorful helium balloons, marching bands from all over the country, and performers and celebrity entertainers. This celebration of spring in Washington D.C. is a lively event that showcases a fusion of music and showmanship, attracting visitors from all around the world. Portions of the parade route between 9th and 15th streets on Constitution Avenue are free and open to the public and are first-come, first-serve.

Petalpalooza, presented by Chase, is an outdoor extravaganza that celebrates the arrival of spring with a full day of engaging activities and live music. This all-ages event features multiple outdoor stages with performances, interactive art installations through the Petalpalooza Art Walk, and a cashless beverage garden. There are also family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming DC sports mascots and entertainers, and much more, all along the picturesque banks of the Anacostia River. The day culminates in a stunning choreographed fireworks display set to music, starting at 8:30 PM. The best part is that this event is completely free and enjoyable for all ages. Read more about the Petalpalooza event here.

On Sunday, March 26th from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Hilton presents the Blossom Kite Festival, a fun-filled event that takes place on the Washington Monument Grounds and features a range of activities, competitions, music, and performances. This festival is open to everyone, from kite enthusiasts to beginners, families, and friends. You can bring your own kite, buy one onsite, or get a free kite kit to decorate onsite courtesy of Hilton. The 2023 Blossom Kite Festival will include a Sakura Taiko Fest at Sylvan Theater, showcasing traditional Japanese drumming, as well as a performance by master Edo-style kite-maker Mr. Mikio Toki, who will travel from Japan to exhibit his kites. Attendees can also look forward to performances and demonstrations by the local Wings Over Washington Kite Club, and free advanced registration for the Adult Kitemakers Competition and Youth Kitemakers Competition, with onsite registration also available. Check out the schedule and more details about the Blossom Kite Festival here.

Experience the beauty of peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, and enjoy a range of entertainment showcasing Japanese, American, and other cultures. This event is hosted in partnership with the National Park Service and features live performances among the blossoms that celebrate the long-standing friendship between the U.S. and Japan. The performances offer a dynamic mix of American, Japanese, and other cultural arts and are showcased on the ANA stage from 12 PM to 6 PM during Peak Bloom, rain or shine. The Welcome Area is open from 10 AM to 6 PM and offers a range of activities, including an ANA giant frame photo opportunity, National Park Service activities, a Pet Comfort Station sponsored by Mars Petcare, Official Festival Merchandise for purchase, refreshments, free family-friendly activities, and much more. Check out the performance schedule here.

There are various other events happening in the next couple weeks that you can take part in to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC this year. Check out of the events here.

Along the Tidal Basin and among the cherry blossoms are various iconic memorials that are perfect to see in the springtime surrounded by flowers. Here are a few to visit and view through the branches when walking along the water and through the trees.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located in West Potomac Park between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial. This memorial honors the 32nd president of the United States and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who were in office during the depth of the Great Depression and World War II and contributed to restoring faith to Americans. The memorial is a magnificent site that you walk through to discover more bits of history. The memorial includes sculptures, tactile elements, and granite engravings of twenty two quotes from Roosevelt’s presidency from times of the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the Second World War. Learn more to plan your visit on the National Park Services website here.